Second World Pancreatic Cancer Day to Elevate Conversations, Awareness and Education About One of the Deadliest Cancers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The second World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Friday, Nov. 13, will unite advocates around the globe in their mission to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. An estimated 926 people globally are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every day. And every day, an estimated 905 people globally will die from the disease.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7292454-world-pancreatic-cancer-day/

Despite rising incidences, most people are unaware of pancreatic cancer's deadly toll. A recent global survey found that 60 percent of people know "almost nothing" about the disease.^[i]

World Pancreatic Cancer Day's goal is to bring much-needed focus and attention to the disease, especially the need for increased symptom awareness and greater investment into research. This worldwide initiative is being led by 56 patient advocacy organizations from around the world that are committed to tackling the fight against pancreatic cancer.

"Global awareness is the first step to action," said Julie Fleshman, World Pancreatic Cancer Day Chair and President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "The more people who know about pancreatic cancer, the greater our opportunity to demand more research and develop better resources for those facing the disease."

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with just 2 percent to 10 percent of those diagnosed surviving five years. The reasons we need better diagnostic and treatment options are evident:

• Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate in the single digits.
• There is no early detection method. Nearly half (46 percent) of all Americans mistakenly believe there is a way to be screened for pancreatic cancer.^[ii] In the United Kingdom, 71 percent of people cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer.^[i]
• There are few effective treatment options.
• Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally.
• Death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing while the death rates for other cancers are declining.

But according to the organizations behind World Pancreatic Cancer Day, it's within these dismal circumstances that hope shines brightest. The efforts on Nov. 13 will not only raise awareness and facts about the disease, but also spread the word that with more research funding and more people taking action, the pancreatic cancer survival rate will improve, as has been the case for other cancers.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day encourages everyone to "see purple" on Nov. 13 by wearing purple, lighting landmarks purple, using purple on social media channels, etc. In addition, supporters will:

• Tackle a series of social media challenges to help people understand the need to know about the disease.
• Secure media attention around the globe.
• Encourage people to connect with their local pancreatic cancer organization.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is powered by corporate sponsors Celgene, Baxalta Incorporated, Lilly Oncology, Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany), NewLink Genetics Corporation, and Novartis Oncology. For more information about World Pancreatic Cancer Day, go to worldpancreaticcancerday.org.

About World Pancreatic Cancer Day

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is a day dedicated to raising global awareness of pancreatic cancer and takes place during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Driven by a committee of patient advocacy organizations from around the world, the day seeks to start an online conversation about the need for awareness to spur research and advocacy for pancreatic cancer.

Contact:
Cassie Ladd
The Richards Group
214-891-2895
cassie_ladd@richards.com

[i] Global Omnibus Research: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Survey, Celgene, March 2014
[ii] North America Omnibus Research: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Survey, GfK, March 2015